Chief Michael J. Magnant of the Portsmouth Police Department is invoking his “Emergency Powers” and orders that NO PARKING will be permitted on the following Portsmouth Streets on July 3, 2007 (with the exception of residents only) due to the annual fireworks display:

1. Parrott Avenue

13. Franklin Street

2. Junkins Avenue

14. Pickering Street

3. Mt. Vernon Street

15. Hunking Street

4. Pleasant Street

16. Gardner Street

5. South Street from Miller to Marcy

17. Gates Street

6. Richmond Street

18. Howard Street

7. Rogers Street

19. Elwyn Avenue

8. Edward Street

20. Sherburne Avenue

9. Livermore Street

21. Rockland Street

10. Wentworth Street

22. Kent Street

11. Melcher Street

23. Richards Avenue

12. Whidden Street

Vehicles will be towed from the playground parking lot on Junkins Avenue beginning at 10:00 AM on July 3, 2007 due to the close proximity of loaded fireworks tubes. Vehicles parked on Parrott Avenue between Richards Avenue to Junkins Avenue will be towed beginning at 12:00 noon on July 3, 2007. The tennis courts/basketball courts/playground areas and baseball areas will be closed by 12:00 noon on July 3, 2007. Limited handicapped parking will be available at the Middle School parking lot. The Parking Garage will charge a flat $3.00 fee for parking during the hours of 1700 – 2200 on Monday, July 3, 2007.

The Dog Park will be closed from 6:00 AM on Monday, July 3, 2007 to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 4, 2007. Dog owners are reminded of the city ordinance forbidding dogs from any park where the Recreation Department holds scheduled programs. This includes Leary and Central Fields, South Playground and the Connie Bean Playground.

Vendors will be permitted on the north side (Portsmouth Junior High School side) of Parrott Avenue only. Vendors must be properly licensed by the City of Portsmouth.

Residents are reminded that fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted as per City Ordinance. Heavy traffic and delays lasting up to 2 hours are expected after the fireworks.

The Annual Fireworks Celebration is an alcohol free family event (the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. sharp). Chief Magnant and members of the Portsmouth Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.